Essentially, Fr. Jim Edmiston set up the IFES to place environmental studies in a position of importance, as implied by the QU mission. The Institute was designed to offer degree and non-degree courses and to facilitate interdisciplinary projects and study of environmental topics. He served as the director, and three board members were to be appointed by the University president to represent various academic areas. John Schleppenbach was a member of the first board; theology and philosophy were also represented because those disciplines offered courses related to environmental issues.